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ForestCavity nestSmall · 16 g
ID tip
The blue nuthatch is a medium-sized nuthatch that has an average length of 13.5 cm (5.3 in). The weight is not known. Its appearance differs significantly from all other nuthatches. All of its subspecies are broadly black and white (especially when viewed in low-light conditions in which their dark blue colour is not apparent) and have upper plumage shot through with dramatic notes of cobalt, azure and other lighter shades of blue, as well as greys and purples. The head is black, or blackish-blue with a broad, pale blue eye ring. Voice: The species' calls include a melodious tup or tip, a sudden whit, a thin hissing sit, and a fuller, harder, and more forceful chit. When excited, sit and chit notes are frequently given quickly and repetitively as a chi-chit, chit-chit-chit or chir-ri-rit, which can be prolonged, accelerated into staccato trilling tititititititik, or even becoming a rattling tr-r-r-r-r-r-t.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Blue Nuthatch
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is July, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Blue Nuthatch
The map shades 2 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Thailand.
About the Blue Nuthatch
The blue nuthatch is a bird species in the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in length. The species, which shows slight sexual dimorphism, has dramatic plumage pattern unlike any other member of its genus. Its head is black or blackish-blue dark blue upperparts close to purple with azure feathers. The wings are edged with black. The throat and chest are white or a washed buff, contrasting with the upperparts and the belly of a very dark blue; the covert feathers are generally clear, blue-grey or purplish.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Corsican NuthatchSitta whiteheadiThe Corsican nuthatch is the only nuthatch found in Corsica, however, it may be reminiscent of the coal tit (Periparus ater), which is common in Corsican forests and has similar markings on its head.
Chinese NuthatchSitta villosaThis species is locally found in sympatry with the Eurasian nuthatch (S. europaea), but differs from it in its smaller size, clearly visible white supercilium, black crown in males, and relatively plain underparts, lacking the reddish undertail coverts and flanks.
Eastern Rock NuthatchSitta tephronotaEastern rock nuthatch is 15–16 cm long.
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